Manchester City legend, Colin Bell has died at the age of 74 after a short illness.
Bell passed away this afternoon from a short illness which has been confirmed as not Coronavirus related, leaving behind his wife – Marie, children Jon and Dawn plus grandchildren, Luke, Mark, Isla and Jack.
The former midfielder made 492 appearances in all competitions in which he scored 152 goals for Man City in a 13 season spell between 1966-79.
Bell was part of the City team which won the old First Division in 1967-68 season before winning Charity Shield and FA Cup the following season, which was followed by European Cup Winners’ Cup and League Cup during 1969-70 campaign whilst his final honour with City came in 1972 as they won a second Charity Shield.
City Chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak led the tributes as he described Bell as ‘one of Manchester City’s greatest players’.
Al Mubarak also spoke of Bell’s long-lasting impact upon the club, saying; “The passage of time does little to erase the memories of his genius. The fact that we have a stand at the Etihad Stadium named after Colin speaks volumes about the importance of his contribution to this club.”
Bell also played for Bury and San Jose either side of his spell at City during he made 48 senior appearances for England, in which he netted nine goals against teams like Brazil, Germany and Scotland.
‘Wonderful era for Man City is slowly coming to an end’
Man City players from both of their men and women teams have taken to Twitter to pay their tribute with Tommy Doyle leading the mourning.
Doyle who is the son of Mike Doyle who played alongside Bell at City between 1966-78, tweeted of his sadness at how one of the club’s ‘wonderful era’ is slowly drawing towards its end.
A wonderful era for Man City is slowly coming to an end😔 An inspiration for all of us! Rip king Colin 💙 https://t.co/JQM57PK4hI
— Tommy Doyle (@Tommy_Doyle8) January 5, 2021
Several of Doyle’s teammates and those on the women’s team past and present meanwhile expressed their reaction through short tweets or emojis, including Raheem Sterling and Fernandinho;
— Steph Houghton MBE (@stephhoughton2) January 5, 2021
— Raheem Sterling (@sterling7) January 5, 2021
Really sad news 😢🙏🏾#rip https://t.co/suHq6i3Bdq
— Fernandinho (@fernandinho) January 5, 2021
Devastated to hear of passing of Colin Bell…One of the greatest if not THE greatest player to ever wear the City shirt & more than anything the nicest & most humble man you could ever meet. Thoughts, love & prayers to all the Bell family 💙 RIP Legend 💙 https://t.co/rwYS61HwUS
— Paul Dickov (@OfficialPDickov) January 5, 2021
My heart goes out to his family and friends at this difficult time . DEP LEGEND 🙏💙 pic.twitter.com/u2cbshDyl3
— David Silva (@21LVA) January 5, 2021
Extremely saddened to hear Colin Bell has passed away. The King Of Kippax was a true legend and someone I’ve grown up admiring. You’ll be sorely missed Nijinsky 💔 pic.twitter.com/MQaEbBOCb6
— Phil Foden (@PhilFoden) January 5, 2021
City’s Carabao Cup semi-final and cross-city rivals, Manchester United also tweeted of their sadness at Bell’s passing.
All of us @ManUtd are deeply saddened by the passing of Colin Bell, a true footballing legend.
Condolences to Colin’s loved ones and everyone @ManCity.#ACityUnited https://t.co/6JTPV5CqYe
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 5, 2021
England also tweeted their own tribute, expressing their ‘deepest condolences’ to his family for their loss.
We’re deeply saddened by the news that Colin Bell, who won 48 caps for the #ThreeLions between 1968 and 1975, has passed away.
Our deepest condolences go to Colin’s family, friends and former clubs. pic.twitter.com/idD9CGzOeo
— England (@England) January 5, 2021
FIFA plus several ex players including Gary Lineker also tweeted their own tributes.
💙 Seldom has a player been as beloved at a club as Colin Bell at @ManCity. He was affectionately known as ‘The King of the Kippax’ and has a stand named in his honour at the City of Manchester Stadium 👑🏟️
😢 RIP to one of @England‘s finest all-time midfielders 🤍 pic.twitter.com/2hHRnMdJfD
— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) January 5, 2021
Saddened to hear that Colin Bell has passed away. One of my favourite players when I was growing up. Terrific box to box midfielder. A real gem for @ManCity and @England. #RIPColin
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) January 5, 2021
Very sad news to hear about Colin Bell. I took Colin back into @ManCity as a member of my coaching team. #colinbell was a pleasure to work with, a fantastic player and person. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Marie & family, love and best wishes Brian & Val Horton. xx
— Brian Horton (@brian_horton4) January 5, 2021
A midfielder who typified the term box to box 👏🏽 a great player with a terrific engine RIP Colin Bell
— Chris Kamara (@chris_kammy) January 5, 2021
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